Berkshire Orthopedics LLC

A Division of Keystone Orthopaedic Specialists, LLC

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How To Identify and Treat Trigger Finger Symptoms

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trigger finger symptoms Stenosing tenosynovitis – more commonly known as trigger finger – is a painful condition marked by an inability to move one’s finger or thumb from a bent position. Trigger finger can affect anyone, although it is particularly common in those who use their hands and grip objects repeatedly for a job or hobby. The condition may be isolated to a single finger or thumb, or it may affect multiple digits on one or both hands. This article will explain how to recognize trigger finger symptoms and find effective treatment that will help to resolve them.

How To Identify and Treat Trigger Finger Symptoms

Trigger finger develops due to irritation and inflammation of the tendon sheath. This, in turn, impedes movement of the involved digits. Trigger finger symptoms may range from mild to severe, with symptoms tending to be worse in the morning. Patients with trigger finger may report:

  • Inability to straighten the affected finger or thumb from a bent position
  • Stiffness and discomfort
  • A clicking/popping sensation with movement
  • Tenderness in the palm of the affected hand
  • A bump at the base of the affected finger or thumb

Trigger finger can make it difficult or painful to perform your occupation and other essential daily activities. If symptoms persist, you may benefit from exploring treatment with a skilled orthopedic physician. First-line therapies recommended for trigger finger might include:

  • Taking a break from activities that require prolonged gripping or grasping
  • Wearing a finger splint to take strain off the tendon
  • Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help manage pain
  • Performing stretching exercises to keep the finger mobile

If your symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment, your orthopedic doctor may suggest considering steroid injections or trigger finger release surgery.

Dr. Soffer Provides Advanced Orthopedic Care in Reading, PA

If you are noticing signs associated with trigger finger, you can trust Dr. Stephen Soffer to help by providing effective, individualized treatment. As part of his rigorous training, Dr. Soffer completed a fellowship in sports medicine with Dr. James Andrews, a world-renowned sports surgeon.

Today, Dr. Soffer holds board certification in orthopedic surgery and proudly offers all of the latest, most advanced surgical & nonsurgical treatment options. To get started on the road to healing, call our office at 610-375-4949 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer today.

Treatment for SLAP Tear Shoulder Pain

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The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of tendons, muscles and bones. Lining the socket is a cup-shaped piece of supportive, stabilizing cartilage called the labrum. One of the most common injuries affecting the labrum is a SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tear. As implied by the name, both the front (anterior) and back (posterior) portion of the labrum are involved in this injury. Depending on the severity, SLAP tear shoulder pain can be quite intense. Additionally, a SLAP tear may cause decreased strength and mobility in the affected shoulder.

Treatment for SLAP Tear Shoulder Pain

Symptoms of a labrum tear may appear following an acute incident such as a fall or car accident, or they may develop over time with repetitive overhead motion or normal shoulder wear and tear. In any case, there are a range of viable treatment options available to help relieve discomfort, restore range of motion and promote healing of a SLAP tear. Many patients experience significant improvement from some combination of the following nonsurgical treatments:

  • Time off from physical activity – Resting the affected shoulder is nearly always recommended to facilitate healing and prevent a labral tear from worsening.
  • Medication – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed to help reduce shoulder pain and swelling stemming from a SLAP tear.
  • Physical therapy – For some patients, physical therapy exercises may be helpful in returning shoulder mobility and function to pre-injury levels.

If first-line methods fail to provide sufficient relief from SLAP tear shoulder pain, arthroscopic labral repair may be recommended as the next step in treatment. A type of minimally invasive labrum tear surgery, this procedure allows your orthopedic surgeon to reattach the torn tissues and restore stability in the shoulder joint, without open surgery.

Dr. Stephen Soffer is highly skilled and experienced in performing this cutting-edge procedure. During his extensive training, Dr. Soffer completed a fellowship in sports medicine with world-renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Now, he educates other surgeons on shoulder arthroscopy as a Master Instructor for the Arthroscopy Association of North America.

Count On Dr. Soffer for Expert, Individualized Shoulder Care in Berks County, PA

If you are living with persistent shoulder pain, Dr. Soffer is here to help you create an effective plan to address it. Offering a comprehensive range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments for shoulder issues, he is dedicated to helping patients of all ages heal fully, with the shortest possible recovery time. If you are located in or near Berks County, PA, call our office at 610-375-4949 to schedule an appointment with the area’s most qualified & compassionate shoulder doctor.

Can You Drive With Tennis Elbow? Treatment, Symptoms and More

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Commonly referred to as tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis is a type of tendinitis that develops due to overuse of the elbow. Causing elbow tenderness and pain which may extend to other parts of the arm, this injury can make it hard to perform daily activities such as lifting a drinking glass. In turn, many patients wonder: Can you drive with tennis elbow? In this article, our orthopedic specialist will answer this and other frequently asked questions about this common elbow issue.

Can You Drive With Tennis Elbow? Treatment, Symptoms and More

  • Can you drive with tennis elbow? An individual with tennis elbow may experience swelling, pain, decreased range of motion and/or weakness in their elbow, as well as in their forearm, wrist or upper arm. These symptoms can make driving and other essential everyday activities difficult and uncomfortable. Fortunately, conservative treatments often help to alleviate tennis elbow symptoms.
  • What are common first-line treatments for tennis elbow? Many patients with tennis elbow report significant symptom relief from a combination of nonsurgical therapies. Methods which might be effective include:
    • Resting and icing the affected elbow
    • Taking anti-inflammatory medications
    • Receiving steroid injections
    • Performing physical therapy exercises
    • Wearing an elbow brace
  • Might I need surgery for tennis elbow? For a more severe case of tennis elbow that does not respond to initial treatment, surgery may be the next option. A qualified orthopedic surgeon such as Dr. Stephen Soffer can help you determine the most appropriate course of treatment in your unique case.

Explore Advanced Elbow Treatment Options with Dr. Soffer

If you are experiencing persistent elbow symptoms that are impacting your quality of life, it may be time to visit an elbow injury specialist. For patients who live in or near Berks County, PA, Dr. Soffer offers world-class orthopedic care with a hometown feel.

Along with Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Soffer co-authored the first elbow arthroscopy textbook published in the US. As a board-certified surgeon, he draws on his abundant knowledge and experience to help patients of all ages return to a fulfilling, pain-free lifestyle.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the range of nonsurgical and surgical elbow treatments available at Dr. Soffer’s office, reach out today at 610-375-4949.

3 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Doctor for Elbow Pain

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Elbow soreness, stiffness and reduced range of motion can drastically impact a patient in their daily life. If you are experiencing lingering elbow discomfort, it may be time to visit an orthopedic specialist. When conducting a search for an elbow pain doctor near me, there are numerous important qualities to look for. In this article, you’ll find a list of questions to ask to help you locate a highly knowledgeable and compassionate orthopedic expert.

Finding An Elbow Pain Doctor Near Me: 3 Questions to Ask 

  • Are you board certified? – Having board certification means that a doctor has passed a specialty-specific exam. In turn, it affirms that they possess the proper training and knowledge needed to skillfully treat their patients. Dr. Stephen Soffer is proud to maintain certification from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
  • What other credentials do you have? – Years of experience, positive patient testimonials and continuing work in their field are all indicators of a dedicated, qualified elbow doctor. Along with Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Soffer co-authored the first elbow arthroscopy textbook published in the U.S. Visit our website to learn more about his many achievements in orthopedics.
  • Does your practice offer a full range of treatment options? – Conditions and injuries affecting the elbow can vary greatly in severity and may require a range of treatments. Thus, visiting an orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Soffer is a wise choice. This way, you will already be under the care of the right expert should surgical treatment be required to resolve your elbow symptoms.

When seeking the most credentialed elbow pain doctor near me, asking these questions will help you decide on the best provider for your care.

Dr. Soffer Delivers World-Class Elbow Care with a Local Feel

Recognized as a top orthopedic surgeon in PA and nationwide, Dr. Soffer takes a patient-centered approach to treating elbow conditions of all types. Drawing on his abundant experience & cutting-edge technologies, he can provide a precise diagnosis and guide you to the best course of treatment under your unique circumstances.

With both nonsurgical & surgical elbow treatments available, Dr. Soffer & the rest of our staff are here to help you get lasting elbow pain relief so you can resume your normal life. To set up an appointment, call our office at 610-375-4949.

What Is Involved in ACL Sprain Treatment?

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The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) plays a key role in supporting the knee and maintaining the joint’s stability as it bends and pivots. When this ligament is sprained or torn, it may result in discomfort, swelling and knee instability. Ultimately, the right course of treatment for an ACL injury will depend on its severity/grade and the patient’s particular symptoms. This article will offer an overview of ACL sprain treatment methods which may be prescribed to help a patient recover from a minor or moderate ACL injury.

What Is Involved in ACL Sprain Treatment?

To create an individualized, effective ACL injury treatment plan, an orthopedic physician will start by using diagnostic equipment to determine the grade of the injury. Depending on the amount of tearing present, an ACL injury may be classified as:

  • Grade 1, meaning the ACL remains intact and has only microscopic tearing
  • Grade 2, indicating a moderate ligament tear with the ACL still intact
  • Grade 3, in which case the ACL is totally ruptured or torn and is no longer fully intact

Typically, a Grade 1 or 2 ACL injury is considered a sprain and will be treated as such. ACL sprain treatment plans commonly include:

  • Following the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation) protocol
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications to help with pain and swelling
  • Performing routine physical therapy exercises designed to restore previous strength, range of motion and functionality to the affected knee joint
  • Wearing an ACL brace

A combination of the above strategies will often promote full knee rehabilitation without the need for surgical intervention. However, an unstable ACL sprain or a grade 3 injury may necessitate ACL reconstruction surgery. A qualified orthopedic surgeon such as Dr. Stephen Soffer can help you decide on your best course of action to heal from a knee injury, given your individual circumstances

Visit Dr. Soffer’s Office for Cutting-Edge Knee Care in Reading, PA

If you are experiencing knee pain, swelling and trouble walking, it’s possible you have sustained an ACL sprain or tear. To speed your ACL injury recovery and prevent long-term issues, seeking professional diagnosis & care in a prompt manner is instrumental.

If you are located in the Reading, PA area, you can rely on Dr. Stephen Soffer to provide compassionate, skilled orthopedic care. As part of his extensive training, Dr. Soffer completed a fellowship in sports medicine with world-renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews.

At his office, Dr. Soffer offers a full range of advanced surgical & nonsurgical treatments for knee injuries & conditions of all sorts. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Soffer, call our 24-hour sports injury hotline at 610-375-4949.

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